280vs280AI

[280Hunter]

Just needing some advise on the difference on a reg 280 versus a 280AI. Is there a big difference in how flat it shoots or recoil? and what do I have to change, on my reg 280 if anything for it to be a 280AI? Thanks guys.

[double gun]

Originally Posted by 280Hunter

Just needing some advise on the difference on a reg 280 versus a 280AI. Is there a big difference in how flat it shoots or recoil? and what do I have to change, on my reg 280 if anything for it to be a 280AI? Thanks guys.

A "big" difference - no. If you want to change yours, you need to have the chamber reamed out with a AI reamer. (perhaps set the barrel back one thread)

[bobinthesky]

All you would have to do is have your chamber reamed out to the improved cartridge case specs. It's a pretty low risk/cost operation. Factory rounds can be fired in the improved chamber and by doing that, the brass is then fire formed to the new chamber and can be reloaded in an improved set of dies. Handy if your away from home and run out of reloaded ammo but can still buy factory stuff.
Expect to gain about 100 fps over the range of popular bullet weights, give or take a bit. Improved down range performance and flattened trajectory are minimal at best.
The extra performance is not enough for me to get excited about. Folks rave about how the performance is close to that of the 7mm rem mag and it can be if loaded properly, but if the 7 mag is hand loaded to the same level, it still far out performs the 280 AI by a fair margin.
If I had a 280 that shot real well, (which I do), I probably wouldn't fuss with it. (I also have a 7mm rem mag) If I were ordering a new rifle, I'd definatly consider it.

[elkhunter11]

I have two Cooper rifles in 280AI,and I like the cartridge.My hunting load drives the 140gr TTSX at 3140fps,which is better than the standard 7mmremmag factory loads,but about 100fps or so below most 7mmremmag handloads.If I had an accurate 280,I wouldn't mess with it,but if I was buying a new rifle,or if I was replacing a burned out barrel,I would certainly consider the 280AI.

[whitetailhntr]

I have one of each. A ruger m77 in .280 and A cooper in .280 AI. The ruger was the first rifle i ever bought and will never be sold. Its deadly accurate and has killed everything from gophers to bears. The cooper is a new rifle i bought last year and its awesome as well, scary accurate and a joy to shoot.I wouldn't mess with your .280 if it shoots well....Just buy another gun!

[280Hunter]

great thanks for all the advise,muchly appreciated. My 280 does shoot awesome I have no complaints just wondering if the difference is worth changing. But now I know to leave well enough alone. Thanks again.